Why is it Easier for Richer Women to Reject Marriage?

[one_half] Recently, The Atlantic and Wall Street Journal Editorial published an article about gender inequality. The Atlantic mentioned that there are many highly-educated women, but end up only covering one third of high-paying professions like lawyers or doctors. Statistics also showed that more women are seen to be on minimum-wage jobs than men. But this is more than the issue of men versus women’s income or profession. It is more about how single moms, especially the ones with lower incomes, are able to raise their children well. [/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

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[one_half_last]It’s obvious how hard it is for single moms to be acting as both breadwinners and caretakers of their children. In addition, it was statistically evident that when it comes to being a single mom, women with lower income are in a tougher economic battle than women with a high-paying job. Although getting married is not actually the necessary and only solution to the former, income is a huge factor for poorer women to consider when it comes to marriage.[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Since getting married as a woman means succumbing yourself to patriarchy, richer women may be more concerned about losing their independence and experiencing some dramatic lifestyle changes. This is what The Atlantic concluded after publishing an article about a year-long study on women’s poverty, exploring the political, social and cultural aspects when it comes to gender inequality in America. “…the statistics tell an awkward truth: Financially, married women tend to fare much better than unmarried women,” as mentioned in the article.[/one_half]

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[one_half_last]What also supported this conclusion are the articles they studied on New York Times. One article described a single, Argentinian mom’s response on what makes her fear marriage. This woman, with a higher income, fears more about losing her independence and recognizing patriarchy. The other article is about the financial challenges poorer single mothers face, who are worried more about making their individual income enough to support their children or even give them their basic needs.

Economically speaking, marriage is good for women when it comes to the financial aspect; unless these women have a high-paying income enough to support their children and balance their time, it is extra tough to take a stand against patriarchy.

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Women who are well-educated and have a higher, more stable income will have lesser issues of financial security when they become single moms, compared to poor, uneducated women; especially if they have children. Although richer women might also have issues regarding time with their kids, poorer women will have to deal with multiple jobs and will have a tougher time dividing their time between their jobs, kids and chores when they reject marriage.